Given the events of the first week of training camp, the 49ers might be particularly relieved they beat the Bills to the big-bodied back.

On Friday, running back Kendall Hunter, who has capably served as Frank Gore's backup the past three seasons, sustained a torn ACL. On Sunday, LaMichael James, then the only reserve running back on the roster with NFL experience, suffered a dislocated left elbow that will sideline him for a month. The 49ers did sign four-year veteran Alfonso Smith on Monday, but the spotlight has shifted to Hyde.

With Marcus Lattimore also not practicing because of a severe 21-month-old knee injury, Hyde has an opportunity to establish himself as Gore's top backup, and, looking to the future, his possible heir apparent. Gore, 31, is entering the final year of his contract and averaged a career-worst 4.1 yards a carry in 2013.

Hyde will debut on Aug. 7 when the 49ers visit the Ravens in their preseason opener. But he offered a preview of coming attractions for those who didn't see him at Ohio State.

"I'm a hard-nosed runner," Hyde said. "A guy that just runs with a lot of passion, relentless, (I) refuse to go down."

Indeed, Hyde, 6 feet tall and 235 pounds, appears well-suited for the 49ers' power-running attack, which has ranked among the NFL's top eight for the past three seasons. Last year, he rushed for 1,521 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. At a school that produced the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner - Archie Griffin - Hyde owns records for the best yards per carry average for a career (6.1), season (7.3) and game (10.2).

Hyde isn't just a bruiser. He's blends nasty with nifty feet that have been on display early in training camp. Niners general manager Trent Baalke, who traded up for Hyde because he was the best player on the 49ers' draft board, isn't experiencing buyer's remorse.

"You have to like his pad level, his vision, his feet," Baalke said. "He's a 235-pound back that has small-man movements. He gets his feet in the dirt quick. ... He's just a natural runner and you can see that. There are things he's going to have to work on - and we certainly will - but you have to like what you see early on."

Hyde probably will need to prove he's competent in picking up blitzes to earn significant playing time. Gore's ability in that area is legendary and is a reason the 49ers have been averse to take him off the field. Last year, at 30, Gore played 74 percent of the offensive snaps and had the third-most carries of his nine-year career.

Hyde has taken up residence near running backs coach Tom Rathman during film sessions to learn how to channel Gore's ability to recognize - and stonewall - blitzing linebackers.

"I actually sit behind coach Rathman so I'm able to whisper in his ear about protections and stuff," Hyde said. "What's going on here? Why did Frank do that?"

The 49ers' altered running back situation will be a popular topic throughout training camp, but it's possible it will be the same old story once the regular season begins.

Last week, before the injuries to Hunter and James, Gore was asked if he wanted to retain his rarely-come-off-the-field role in 2014. In response, Gore, who has second-most carries among active running backs didn't hesitate.

"I'm here," he said. "I'm still here. So why not?

Depth chart

A look at the 49ers' running backs:

Frank Gore: The 31-year-old starter with nine years experience and more than 2,000 career carries.

Kendall Hunter: Primary backup probably done for the season with torn ACL.

LaMichael James: Versatile backup will miss a month with a dislocated elbow.

Carlos Hyde: Rookie second-round pick moves up and probably will get most of the No. 1 reps in preseason.